Thursday, November 21, 2013

Warm winter menus!

The chill is in the air! Take advantage of the season by creating a mouthwatering menu that will keep your guests toasty on the inside and fuel them up to dance into the wee hours.  Get creative, and consider these fresh-from-the-hearth menu ideas.

In winter, you need to be thinking about comfort food rather than salad (We mean, who wants to eat salad in January?). Comfort food sounds very self-indulgent but actually, it’s very sensible to serve substantial soups, stews and hearty puddings during the cold weather as it helps to keep the chill out. You’ll also be keeping your costs down by keeping the food more seasonal – and try to source local produce as well.
At dinner itself, you could move onto that old classic favorite, meat pies, or a delicious casserole served with mac n' cheese and mashed potatoes. For dessert think elegant school dinners, you’ll hear appreciative murmurs if you offer delights like sticky toffee pudding with custard or apple crumble. And always remember - your caterer knows best!
 
As far as dessert, your winter wedding cake should reflect the season and the flavor can be rich and decadent. Caramel, coffee flavored, spice cake, moist carrot cake, orange or mint accented chocolate cake, white chocolate cranberry cake are all perfect choices to celebrate in the cold and ice.
An alternative winter dessert could be having a hot chocolate bar for your guests, with all the marshmallows and whip cream they desire - but don't forget about the coffee too!
 
 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Anatomy of a Whirlwind Wedding!

Oh boy, has the year gone by so quickly, it’s mid-November already?! Time flies, this week our infographic address the topic of planning a wedding in just ONE MONTH! I would like to introduce: The Anatomy of a Whirlwind Wedding
 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Decking the halls with love!

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Why not add a wedding to it? Here are 5 things to keep in mind when planning a Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve wedding.

1. Decide if you really want a wedding during the holiday. As busy and hectic as the season is with gifts, parties and travel itineraries, understand that you're adding another layer with wedding planning. For those who are not related to you, you're pulling them away from their own families during the holiday season. And as any December birthday baby knows, every wedding anniversary is at risk of being overshadowed by the holidays. But the festive nature of the season may be enough to win you over.

2. Plan a year in advance. While churches and chapels are much less booked in the winter time, you'll want to book a reception hall at least a year in advance due to the many holiday parties. The same goes for caterers, bands and florists, since so many people will be having office or house parties at that time.

3. Let someone else deck the halls for you. Take advantage of venues already decorated for the holidays. If you're going for a Christmas décor, you'll save big on flowers and decorations. Some couples were able to get by with just bouquets for the wedding party.

4. Save the date. Be sure you let your guests know the date of your holiday wedding as soon as you know. In addition, send invitations three months in advance instead of the usual two to give guests plenty of time to make arrangements. Out-of-towners may have to pay more for holiday flights and hotel rooms, and make reservations very early to ensure everything is not booked. Ask guests to allow a day or two cushion for the inevitable bad weather delays. Even if snow is not a factor in your region, flight may be delayed from other airports.

5. Special requests. Take advantage of foods, desserts, decorations and music that come around only at this time of year. Serve festive cocktails like spiced cider, spiked eggnog and hot chocolate with Bailey's. Ask your musicians to add some romantic holiday songs, such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Let It Snow," to their repertoire. For a New Year's Eve wedding, give guests top hats and tiaras, and pass out flutes of champagne for the big countdown.

Source: American Bridal